Washed clean

This is wash day in our house. I have to say, in case Sally reads this, that I don't do it. She does! Well, the machine does and the dogs help! There's something good about the feeling of nice clean clothes; something good about feeling clean - except if you're an 8 year old boy. Around that age many of them don't seem to notice!

We don't miss 'clean' until we don't have it. Unless we've lived somewhere where water is scarce, rationed or just not there; unless we've done a particularly messy job and can't wait to wash the dirt off; unless we've had a muddy walk or cycle ride and know that at the end of it there's a nice hot shower or bath. That sense of clean feels so good.

From my Bible reading today I picked one tiny phrase - 'You were washed' And I love it. But it's a bit like the way we don't miss being clean until we're dirty or can't have a wash. We appreciate Jesus' washing if we know in our gut that we're a sinner; when we or someone else has defiled our body; when we've been made to feel 'unclean' in some way. Jesus washed it all clean and we're promised new clothing of white linen when we get to Heaven.

 Then it struck me that whether it's dirt from a very muddy outing or a fleck of dust from the air, dirt is dirt and needs cleaning. Whether it's a 'big' sin or a 'little' one we all need a wash. 'You are washed' How good does that feel!